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Pakistan Flood Victims Need Your Help

post #1 of 31
8/12/10 at 6:27pm
Thread Starter 
HuffPo

Quote:
Floods in Pakistan have devastated millions of communities in the northwest regions of the country, leveling homes and leaving families with no where to go.

The floods have killed 1,500 people and left seven million in need of emergency assistance, including medical attention, food and shelter.

In response to the disaster, international aid groups are distributing life-saving supplies to flood victims. The nonprofits working in the region need your help -- several organizations have launched an emergency appeal for donations needed to help Pakistanis.
I have good friend from Pakistan and her family and friends are in desperate need of help. It's sad that this disaster isn't getting the play that other natural disasters have in terms of media coverage and monetary and emotional support. The Pakistani people should not suffer because America depicts all Muslims as terrorists. If you can, Please help.

The article lists a bunch of organizations accepting donations:

Quote:
• Secretary of State Hillary Clinton encouraged Americans to donate $10 to Pakistan flood relief by texting "SWAT" to 50555. Clinton said the funds would be used by the United Nations to provide food, water, medicine, tents and clothing to affected families.

• American aid organization Save the Children, which has worked in Pakistan for over 25 years, is providing plastic sheets, hygiene kits and other supplies to children and families in flooded regions. Make a donation to Save the Children's Pakistan Children in Emergency Fund now.

• UNICEF has made distribution of clean water their top priority, as the water supply for hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis has been polluted. UNICEF representative Martin Mogwanja estimates that it will take at least three to six months to restore even basic facilities such as sanitation and agriculture. Make a contribution to UNICEF.

• UK-based nonprofit Concern Worldwide is helping displaced families in Pakistan by providing them with food rations, clean water and hygiene kits. Make a donation to support their relief efforts.

• CARE is responding to the disaster in Pakistan by providing tents and other emergency supplies to displaced families. The organization is also supporting several mobile health clinics treating the sick and wounded in flooded communities. Support relief efforts with a donation to the organization.

• Poverty relief organization Oxfam is working to bring water, sanitation and hygiene projects to devastated communities in northwest Pakistan. You can support the organization by making a contribution to their Saving Lives 24/7 Fund.

• Medical relief charity Merlin USA is helping flood victims by airlifting medical teams into inaccessible regions to set up mobile clinics and treat injuries. You can make a donation to the organization's general fund to support their medical relief services.

• The British Red Cross is on the ground in Pakistan, bringing medical services, food, water and shelter to Pakistanis in need. UK citizens can donate online or by phone to support the organization's efforts.

• Flood waters have forced international poverty relief organization BRAC to close 10 of its 12 local offices across Pakistan. BRAC workers are now directing their efforts toward humanitarian aid, distributing water sanitation supplies and food packets to families. The organization also plans to help rebuild houses and latrines in upcoming months. You can contribute by making an online donation or signing up to give a monthly gift.

• British organization Islamic Relief Worldwide has appealed for £2 million to provide water, food and shelter to victims. Donate through their official site.
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post #2 of 31
8/13/10 at 10:17am
Bump.

Indeed. Please people. This is important. Even more so considering that so far only a tiny fraction of the help that was given to Haiti or during the tsunami have been given out so far. And this has been death and destruction on a similar scale.

Or we could just stand by and let the Taliban do the rescue and rebuild job for us which will lead to a brighter future for everyone!
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post #3 of 31
8/13/10 at 10:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jan View Post
Bump.

Indeed. Please people. This is important. Even more so considering that so far only a tiny fraction of the help that was given to Haiti or during the tsunami have been given out so far. And this has been death and destruction on a similar scale.

Or we could just stand by and let the Taliban do the rescue and rebuild job for us which will lead to a brighter future for everyone!
Unfortunately my funds as an individual are tapped out right about now, and my government has given plenty of aid to Pakistan over the years. If they chose to misspend it preparing for a war with India, that's not my fault. This isn't Hati, the Pakistani government had money it's just that their priorities are screwed up. I don't like the idea that it then should fall on me to pick up the slack. If I had more money right now I'd help, but I don't so I can't

All the same I hope conditions there soon improve. It sounds pretty grim. They're in my thoughts!
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post #4 of 31
8/13/10 at 1:54pm
Thread Starter 
Kate would rather give money to help mistreated dogs than help Pakistani people who are in desperate need of assistance. This does not surprise me at all.
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post #5 of 31
8/13/10 at 2:10pm
In these circumstances I usually go with Doctors Without Borders. They do great work.

I read today that nearly one-fifth of Pakistan is under water. Jeebus.
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post #6 of 31
8/13/10 at 2:13pm
Thread Starter 
I'm an Oxfam person myself (I gave money to them for Haiti as well). But I also donated to the Children's Fund listed above.

I hadn't heard the 1/5th underwater fact. It's amazing, and yet not surprising, this isn't dominating the news.

ETA: One Fifth of Pakistan Under Water

Quote:
The United Nations estimates that up to one-fifth of Pakistan is currently underwater. This year's monsoon season caused the worst floods in the country’s history. U.N. officials say the crisis is far from over, warning that dams in Sindh province could fail in the coming days. Monsoon season is also forecast to last several more weeks.

Flood water has devastated and washed away hundreds of villages. The death toll has surpassed 1500 and the floods have affected over 3.5 million people across Pakistan, according to Helping Hand for Relief and Development's (HHRD) emergency response team. Thousands of flood victims are also facing a growing threat from waterborne diseases.Humanitarian organization, World Vision, reports that waterborne diseases, such as such as diarrhea and cholera, are on the rise.

The group warns that these illnesses will spread among the displaced families and children. Increasing numbers of children are already reported to be suffering from skin diseases and eye infections."People are showing up at the clinic parched and hungry. They've walked through rain and mud with clothing caked to their bodies, carrying their children for hours. They're suffering from ailments such as diarrhea and acute respiratory infections, which can become life-threatening unless treated. The situation is desperate," said Dr. Sheraz Iqbal, a physician with World Vision in Pakistan.Crowded conditions in medical clinics, overstretched caregivers, poor sanitation, lack of clean water and inadequate nutrition are contributing to high levels of mortality in young children, World Vision notes. The group plans to reach 150,000 people over the next three months of its response. However, relief workers' efforts continue to be hampered by ongoing rainfall, damaged roads, and a shortage of boats available to reach the most vulnerable.

"People don't need one thing; they need literally everything. And the number of people in need is so massive," said Shaharyar Bangash, World Vision's program manager in Pakistan. "Thousands of homes are destroyed, and the ones still standing are full of mud and will need to be cleaned before families can return."

Bangash also notes that displaced families will face more hurdles in the longer term. The floods have ruined this year's crops and filled the irrigation canals with mud, putting next year's harvest at risk.
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post #7 of 31
8/13/10 at 2:29pm
Yeah, that's the report I read. And I just flipped through most of the major news sites a minute ago and there's barely a mention of Pakistan anywhere.
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post #8 of 31
8/13/10 at 2:32pm
Thread Starter 
Totally maddening.
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post #9 of 31
8/13/10 at 2:58pm
This may be one of the top ten worse flood in history, and no one is saying anything about it. Flooding is the third greatest killer in human history, and has killed more people then war.
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post #10 of 31
8/16/10 at 7:07am
Bumped. Again. Though the world simply doens´t seem to care.

Quote:
....Mr Ban said the scale of the disaster was greater than anything he had seen before.

He again urged the world to speed up aid to the country, saying shelter and medicine were desperately needed.

The Pakistani government says up to 20 million people have now been affected by the monsoon floods.

At least 1,500 are known to have lost their lives.

Health experts are warning that the threat of epidemics in flood-hit areas is growing.
.........
He announced a further $10m (£6.4m) from the UN's central emergency response fund, making a total of $27m from the fund so far, and repeated his calls for the international community to come to Pakistan's aid.

"The people of Pakistan need food, emergency shelters, medicines, clean water," he said.

"We are all deeply concerned about the spread of diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases. All our combined medical capacity will be needed to provide the right drugs and care."

He said one fifth of Pakistan had been ravaged by floods.

"The flood waves must be matched with waves of global support," he said.

The flooding began more than two weeks ago in the mountainous north-west of Pakistan and has swept south across a quarter of the country including its agricultural heartland.

The International Monetary Fund has warned that the floods could have dire long-term economic consequences for a country already reliant on foreign aid.

On Wednesday the UN launched a $459m appeal for emergency aid for Pakistan. It said that billions of dollars would be needed in the long term.

The US has already donated at least $70m to the country, which is a key regional ally in fighting terrorism
More at this link.
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post #11 of 31
8/16/10 at 10:53am
Bump. If you gave relief to Haiti, and still have the ability to give a donation now, but don't give to Pakistan, you're a bad person who puts politics/race/whatever over human suffering.

On another note, is anyone else deeply nervous about this much unstability and Pakistan's nuclear arsenal? Ulp.
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post #12 of 31
8/16/10 at 11:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eyeball Kid View Post

On another note, is anyone else deeply nervous about this much unstability and Pakistan's nuclear arsenal? Ulp.
You should be afraid. For eveyone interested to learn more about this situation (Given the fact that this disaster is virtually igored by mainstream media) I´d strongly recommend the blog "Informed comment" by the esteemed middle east (and beyond) expert Juan Cole, where he dedicated already several posts on this issue. Scary stuff indeed.

And it bears repeating that this is not the time to argue politics unless you are a despicable human being indeed.
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post #13 of 31
8/16/10 at 12:34pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eyeball Kid View Post
Bump. If you gave relief to Haiti, and still have the ability to give a donation now, but don't give to Pakistan, you're a bad person who puts politics/race/whatever over human suffering.
Yeah, I get bombarded on Facebook with those guilt-laden posts (e.g., "I bet you won't post this status about [mothers, persons with disabilities, etc.] on your page for even an hour...) all the fucking time. I'm tempted to quote you and call out this hypocritical assholes for the schmos they really are.
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post #14 of 31
8/17/10 at 1:22pm
Thread Starter 
Well, your quote got two of my friends to donate. I'm keep reposting daily until more people care.
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post #15 of 31
8/17/10 at 1:32pm
I see the story all over the front pages of CNN and msnbc. Can't speak for the networks.

Thanks for the links. I rocked a few bones for UNICEF and Save the Children.

As always, bless the aid workers and humanitarian support tirelessly toiling away to save lives. A few bucks is nothing compared to that.
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post #16 of 31
8/18/10 at 2:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eyeball Kid View Post
Bump. If you gave relief to Haiti, and still have the ability to give a donation now, but don't give to Pakistan, you're a bad person who puts politics/race/whatever over human suffering.
The Pakistani situation is horrible, and I agree with your point, but don't compare this to Haiti.

Pakistan received billions of dollars since 2001, 1/4 of it's population pay taxes (hint: not the rich people), and it's defense budget is staggering comapred to the rest. It could have the means to help itself, but it won't. Pakistan is a nuclear power. Haiti doesn't have any basic infrastructure. So no, it's not Haiti. Not even close.

But it's maddening to see the non-existence of this in the media. And not giving to them because of politics/religion is douchy, but just don't compare the 2 situations.

Pakistan will rise again in the next year/coming years. Haiti won't.
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post #17 of 31
8/18/10 at 4:00pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin S View Post
It could have the means to help itself, but it won't.
Facts, please. I have a hard time believing the UN begging for aid if their were money currently available to help these people.
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post #18 of 31
8/18/10 at 4:35pm
It could have the means to help themselves more if they didn't have enormous (for their size) military spendings and not having your citizens pay taxes. Of course they'll ask the UN for emergency funds; nearly every country on this planet will do so, outside G8 members, and even then.

It doesn't mean these people don't need help right now. But let's not be comparing Haiti and Pakistan in any way.
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post #19 of 31
8/18/10 at 4:38pm
Thread Starter 
Why? We're comparing the fact that there are human beings suffering and who need immediate aid that they currently aren't getting. Financial support to aid displaced Pakistani citizens is needed just as much as was(is) the support for Haiti victims. Just as Katrina victims (who live in a country that has a multibillion dollar war chest) needed aid as well.
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post #20 of 31
8/18/10 at 4:57pm
I was comparing mid-to-long term help. Not immediate help. They need help and money I've posted that sentence twice already.

People in distress are people in distress, but Haitians will need money for their future way more than people from New Orleans in the years after the disaster, no matter how someone tries to spin it. Problem is they have no infrastructures, no leadership, etc...

That's how Haiti differs from Pakistan. Pakistan ain't the US, but they have a backbone to rebuild from.
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post #21 of 31
8/18/10 at 5:37pm
Thread Starter 
Right but your initial post was dismissive of Eyeball Kid comparing the needs of Pakistani victims to the needs of Katrina and Haiti victims. I don't see how your argument about governmental assets has anything to do with that. More people should be donating to relief efforts right now. And if people were willing to give to Katrina or Haiti relief efforts in the past and aren't willing to give to Pakistani relief efforts now, they are hypocritical assholes.
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post #22 of 31
8/19/10 at 7:27am
It's not a contest.

I am not "helping" Pakistan, I am helping Pakistani citizens (however meagerly my donation helps). I also gave some for Haiti. And even for Nashville, when they had floods few seemed to care about.

I think it is a douche move to criticize people for helping some and not others. Help who you want, when you want, for whatever reason you can. The help is what matters, not the sentiment behind it.
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post #23 of 31
8/19/10 at 9:54am
Thread Starter 
It's a douche move if the motive to not help is based on xenaphobia, nationalism or religious ideology.
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post #24 of 31
8/19/10 at 3:15pm
I'm glad I noticed this thread. I was just reading an article about how bad things were in Pakistan and how they needed money but it didn't offer any links to donate something.
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post #25 of 31
8/19/10 at 5:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Diva View Post
It's a douche move if the motive to not help is based on xenaphobia, nationalism or religious ideology.
So many people in this world need help. If you help somebody in true need, for any reason, then that is a good act. It doesn't mean the person is a douche. It doesn't mean the person isn't. But they certainly committed a good act.

Hugo Chavez is a huge douche. And he offered heating oil two or three (or four) winters ago to poor Americans in cities, mostly to shit all over the U.S. government. His motive was shit. But his act was good. If some people were able to heat their family that winter, who gives a shit why Chavez did it.

Fundamentally, helping is the exception, not the norm. The absense of a specific kind act is not a decisively bad act. It may be callous, it may be stupid. But it is absolutely not unfair. Treating charity any other way is stupid, whether it be helping the Pakistanis, or only helping within your country, or your belief system, or your proposed ethnicity or background.

Why would someone turn another person off to the idea of charity by questioning their motives, for what THEY choose to give to, anyway? The minute someone becomes the arbiter for someone else's charity decisions, many people just won't bother. And then there will be less charity in the world. Charity is a choice, not an obligation.
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post #26 of 31
8/19/10 at 5:45pm
Firstclass I have no idea what your point exactly is/

The situation is absolutely terrible in pakistan, millions of ppl homelss. Quite depressing. But its so nice to see that some ppl at Chud are active in these matters, it really is. I'll try doing my part.
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post #27 of 31
8/19/10 at 6:02pm
Thread Starter 
He doesn't think we should guilt people into giving. But the lack of outrage over this event which is quite similar, perhaps even worse in some ways, than other natural disasters that garnered huge media attention and outpouring of support from people nationwide is telling. It seems from where I'm sitting that the only difference is that the flood victims happen to be Muslim and Americans hate those terrorist bastards.
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post #28 of 31
8/19/10 at 8:31pm
Unfortunately I think you're correct Diva. As I remember aid targets for the 2005 Pak quake were also not even close to being fulfilled. That time hundreds of thousands were homeless, this time its millions! I remember the media called the lack of aid in that particular disaster 'aid fatigue', cuz there were a lot of natural disasters that year, but I don't buy it. At least there are ppl trying to help, most won't recieve aid but atleast some will, that counts for something in the end.
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post #29 of 31
8/19/10 at 11:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Diva View Post
He doesn't think we should guilt people into giving. But the lack of outrage over this event which is quite similar, perhaps even worse in some ways, than other natural disasters that garnered huge media attention and outpouring of support from people nationwide is telling. It seems from where I'm sitting that the only difference is that the flood victims happen to be Muslim and Americans hate those terrorist bastards.
Thanks, Diva. That is basically it. I don't think guilt works...I actually think it is counter-productive. But that is a long discussion.

I'd be shocked if that many Americans even clearly knew Pakistan was Muslim. So I would attribute it a bit more directly to a lack of media coverage. Now why is there less coverage? Because the media in the States sucks. I'd be interested in international aid numbers in comparison to the tsunamis and the quake in Haiti (and Katrina). Maybe this dearth of giving is not just in the States. Maybe not. That might help to narrow why there is such a discrepancy.
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post #30 of 31
8/20/10 at 9:38am
Yeah, I wouldn't blame people not giving as much as the media not covering this at all. Maybe it's because of the volatile nature of the region but I don't see constant live reports from Pakistan like we did for weeks and weeks after Haiti.
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post #31 of 31
8/20/10 at 2:48pm
Thread Starter 
Yeah, I've been decrying the lack of media coverage since my first post. But say what you will about my tactics, several of my friends said if it weren't for me posting about this on my Facebook every day for a week they wouldn't have known about this tragedy. One even sent out an email blast to her whole family asking for support. The few people who said they did see articles on this issue, said that there was no information on how to donate so they appreciated me posting all the links. So yes, I think more people would be willing to give if the media did a better job telling people how. But do I think the reason the media isn't all over this is because our country as a whole has a warped view of Muslims and news outlets don't like to report on unpopular issues.
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